Luanne Samuel
Will be honored Nov. 9 with the Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award at Dallas' National Philanthropy Day Celebration

33rd Annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, hosted by the Greater Dallas Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals, honors some of Dallas’ most outstanding philanthropists and volunteers

For over 24 years, Plano resident Luanne Samuel, a resident of Steeplechase in Plano, has been successfully raising funds – not only in the Dallas area, but also internationally.On November 9, Samuel will be honored with the Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award, at the 33rd Annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon “Stories Worth Telling,” 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, Reunion Ballroom. This annual event celebrates Dallas’ National Philanthropy Day, bringing together area nonprofits, volunteers, funders, foundations, business and community members to honor many of this city’s finest who give selflessly in support of numerous worthy causes.

Nominated by Jana Haigood of the Alcuin School, Samuel began her development career while working for the International School of Geneva, a country without philanthropic tradition and a dislike of solicitations. She created a development position to meet the school’s financial needs, and she has continued her leadership as president of the school’s Ecolint-American Foundation, which she revitalized. She has held high level positions in eight organizations including the Alcuin School, Dallas CASA, International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), and the World Craniofacial Foundation and has raised close to $80 million in form of capital gifts, sponsorships, annual gifts, and grants – resulting in new buildings, purposeful learning spaces, scholarships, protection for abused children and strategic programs.

“One of the most valuable gifts Luanne has given to nonprofits is leaving the organizations in a position to sustain substantial giving in the future,” said Jana Haigood, Alcuin School. “She has established scholarships, given new life to existing scholarships, participated in board member recruitment and created parent and alumni engagement plans at the various schools she has served for the purpose of outreach and solicitation. Operations of all the places she has served are stronger because of her contributions.”

Samuel’s skills have resulted in expanded donor portfolios for all, including an 83 percent increase in donors for IBO. She has been an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and held multiple leadership positions including president, vice president of public relations and membership and has served as a member of the nominating committee. She is a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and a former member of the European Council of International Schools (ECIS) Development Group. Additionally, she served as a member of the AFP International Chapter Support Committee for many years and received her CFRE certification in 2002. She has attended numerous professional conferences and workshops and is a proponent for mentoring, professional development and education. Outside of her development work, she has been a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in foster care, an active board member of the Northwood Woman’s Club, and a member of the Review Committee for the Governor’s Volunteer Awards for the State of Texas. She gives generously to Alcuin School, AFP, and multiple organizations that are meaningful to her.

The luncheon, which is sponsored by South Texas Money Management (STMM), will honor five additional recipients:

Outstanding PhilanthropistJack Furst, nominated by the Boy Scouts of America, gives his time, talent and treasure quietly and without hesitation to make the world a better place.

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Kaki Hopkins, nominated by the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, has been a dedicated volunteer for almost 40 years for more than 14 organizations – chairing an event a year and often asked to chair the same events multiple times.

Outstanding Foundation Joe M. and Doris R. Dealey Family Foundation, nominated by Texas Health Resources,wasfounded to honor the late Joe and Doris Dealey. Today it carries the family’s philanthropic legacy forward by continuing its support of numerous community organizations and institutions including Texas Health Resources, Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas Foundation, Dallas Heritage Village, The Dallas Historical Society, Parkland Foundation, SPCA of Texas, and many more.

Outstanding Corporation Pioneer Natural Resources, nominated by Dallas CASA and Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, has created a corporate culture that strives to improve communities and help children succeed in school, the workforce, and life.

Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Jingle Bell Mistletoe, nominated by The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB), has put nearly 300,000 nutritious meals on the tables of hungry North Texans by selling mistletoe in the winter over the past four years.

“Dallas citizens are passionate, driven, and generous volunteers and philanthropists, but that’s not enough,” said Jeanie Wyatt, CFA, STMM’s founder and CEO. “We depend on our nonprofits to meet so many of our city’s most basic needs. With over 1,000 nonprofits throughout Dallas, it’s vital that we have a professional organization, like AFP, helping nonprofit fundraising professionals raise more money and do it in effective and ethical ways.”

The Greater Dallas Chapter of AFP was among the first to begin celebrating National Philanthropy Day in 1981. Today, over 500 attend the luncheon which includes AFP members and community leaders. National Philanthropy Day celebrates the great contributions philanthropy, and those who work in the philanthropic process, make to our community. AFP Chapters involve more than 28,000 individuals in celebrating philanthropy each year.

“STMM is pleased to sponsor the Greater Dallas AFP for the fourth consecutive year,” said Stan Shipley, President and CEO, STMM Family Office. “AFP upholds the highest ethical fundraising and, importantly, effective fundraising. We are pleased to support AFP chapters around Texas including Austin, Houston, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and the Greater Plains Chapter."

The luncheon is chaired by William Bryant and will be emceed by longtime supporter Scott Murray. Murray Media, in-kind sponsor of the luncheon, produces the luncheon videos featuring the accomplishments of each award recipient. Rodney D. Bullard, Vice President of Community Affairs for Chick-fil-A, Inc. and Executive Director of the Chick-fil-A Foundation, will provide executive remarks.

“National Philanthropy Day is a day to remember and recognize the impact philanthropy – charitable giving, volunteering and engagement – has made in our world,” said Luncheon Chair William Bryant. “This day was first celebrated in 1986 in the U.S. with a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan. We hope you will join us in paying tribute to those who make the city of Dallas such a vibrant philanthropic community.”